Paul H. Hale Blog: Difference Between a Vacuum and Carpet Steamer

Are you confused about the difference between vacuum cleaners and carpet steamers? Below you will find details on each including a few descriptions of their differences.

Carpet Steamers

Although some carpet steamers and cleaners do have a suction mechanism to remove the cleaning fluid and water from your carpet after cleaning the area, they should only be used for steaming or cleaning a carpet and never used as a vacuum cleaner. The term ‘carpet cleaner’ or shampooer used to relate to types of carpet cleaning appliances which did not have a water tank and cleaned using a cleaner in conjunction with brush action. The cleaning fluid actually stayed in the carpet to protect the fibers and was not removed, nor was any water applied. Source: AboutHome

Steam vacuums are basically a vacuum cleaner with the additional function of steam. They are bulkier in size than normal vacuum cleaners and therefore heavier. Before purchasing one make sure you can afford it and you have a suitable place to store it. The steam storage is normally larger than that of the steam mop as steam vacuum can be used to clean carpets which need more steam. Rather than wiping the dirt away on a cloth, the steam vacuum will vacuum up the water and dirt simultaneous while throwing steam, leaving behind a surface which is clean and relatively dry. Unlike a steam mop, a steam vacuum can be used on all floors, on deep grout, carpets and upholstery, and there is no need to sweep before using it. Source: DoItYourself

Steam cleaners are surface cleaning machines that cleanse; remove allergens; and kill mold, bacteria, and fungus that can be overlooked by traditional vacuum cleaners. Hot water in the machine creates steam, which is worked into carpet fibers or other surfaces to loosen dirt and grime. Some of these types of cleaners work with commercially prepared chemical cleaning agents, while others simply rely on steam and rotating brushes to get the job done. Source: WiseGeek

The hot water extraction rinse used by a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer is also typically enough to remove any cleaning solution and should leave little residue behind in the carpet. For customers with health concerns such as allergies and asthma, cleaning solutions that are non-toxic or hypo-allergenic and free of dyes and perfumes are also available. Source: AngiesList

Vacuums

Vacuuming is a regular piece of living with carpet. Even if you don’t clean anything else, your house looks a whole lot better after a few passes with a good vac. There is an immediate pay off and sense of accomplishment. If you vacuum regularly, the surface of your carpet may look clean, but the layers beneath may tell a different story. Even the best vacuum will leave some debris behind. Dirt and grime clings to the base of your carpet fibers like Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton gripping those irrigation pipes at the end of “Twister.” Source: Hoover

A vacuum only picks up surface dirt. Steam cleaners get right into fibers, loosening any foreign material and vacuuming the soiled water back into the cleaner to be discarded after use. Your vacuum cleaner will actually perform better after steam cleaning, as the fibers of the carpet will be loosened. Source: WiseGeek
Nearly all canisters do a fine job of cleaning bare floors and on stairs, but carpets remain their toughest challenge. Top-scoring models combine impressive deep-cleaning with strong airflow through the hose for use with tools for cleaning upholstery and drapes. Source: ConsumerReports

We hope this article helped you gain an understanding of the difference between carpet steamers and vacuums. If you have further questions, please contact us.

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Curlys Carpet Repair